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Rhododendrons in Indian Himalayan Region: Diversity and Conservation

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: The genus Rhododendron of Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has been enumerated in the present paper. A total of 87 species, 12 subspecies and 8 varieties of Rhododendrons recorded in IHR, among these 6 species and one subspecies are reported from Western Himalaya. The maximum concentration of 86% observed in Arunachal Pradesh (75 species). The species of Rhododendrons exhibit significant diversity in habit and broad range of distribution from the altitude of 800-6000 m. and the best range is observed in 3001-3500 m altitudes. In analysis revealed 20 taxa are endemic, 30 are rare, 24 are threatened / endangered, 3 are vulnerable and 47 taxa have to be assessed. The major threats to rhododendrons are deforestation and unsustainable extraction for firewood and incense by local people has been discussed.

Source: American Journal of Plant Sciences

DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2010.12017

Authors: K. Chandra Sekar, Sunil Kumar Srivastava

Institutions: G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Botanical Survey of India

Language: English

Topic: Botany and Plant Ecology Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Assam University, Silchar